There are natural treatments for joint pain that can have significant benefits, and more and more people are choosing safer alternatives to treat joint pain due to arthritis.

Glucosamine Benefits Are Significant For Eliminating Pain

Arthritis sufferers have touted glucosamine benefits for years, and more research is pointing to its efficacy as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

This compound is helpful because it occurs naturally in human tissues, making it a viable alternative to the synthetically derived drugs that have infiltrated the market in past years. Like glucosamine, these drugs known as NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help relieve the discomfort associated with arthritis; however, they work in vastly different ways.

The problem with NSAIDs, such as the now infamous Vioxx, is that they can increase the risk of heart attacks and gastrointestinal bleeding, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration. The FDA even targeted non-prescription NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen by advising manufacturers to revise their labeling and provide more specific information about the potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks of their individual products. Glucosamine side effects are minimal in comparison.

So, how exactly is glucosamine, an amino sugar, different from NSAIDs and what are the proven benefits?

Instead of tricking the body into not receiving pain signals, glucosamine goes straight to the cause of the disease. Studies indicate that glucosamine benefits tender joints by stimulating the production of proteins, which aid in the building and repairing of connective tissue in the body. As we grow older, our body's ability to produce glucosamine decreases, and our structural system pays the price. Because osteoarthritis, in particular, is often caused by age and wear, glucosamine can possibly slow or reverse the progression of the disease.

More importantly, experts agree that few side effects exist when taken in recommended doses. Too much of any nutrient, vitamins and minerals included, can be harmful. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, drowsiness, skin rash, and headache. In addition, supplement manufacturers derive glucosamine from the exoskeleton of shellfish; therefore, those who are allergic to shellfish should avoid taking the supplement.

To complement glucosamine, arthritis sufferers often take chondroitin sulfate, also a naturally occurring compound. Remember whether you are taking a single or multinutrient supplement make sure it's from a reputable manufacturer. Otherwise you may not achieve the results you are looking for.

Still skeptical about glucosamine benefits? The National Institute of Health conducted several studies on the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin. The latest study from a few years ago on patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis showed that the pain reduction from glucosamine and chondroitin was the same as that experienced in those patients taking Celebrex.

So why take a prescription drug with plenty of known side effects when a natural compund with no adverse reactions can help you achieve the same result? It's at least worth a try before resorting to harmful medications.

Featured Glucosamine Supplement

After extensively researching treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, we have discovered a breakthrough natural arthritis treatment that we have had tremendous success with.

This special glucosamine supplement is called Not Just Joints and it offers all of the glucosamine benefits as well as other special ingredients to help reduce inflammation, swelling and stiffness as well as protect the joints and provide long lasting pain relief.

Try Not Just Joints today and see if this arthritis natural treatment works for you